Learning Cardiology

Radial artery access Anatomy The radial artery is branch of brachial artery below the elbow and runs on the lateral aspect of forearm to the wrist.  At the level of wrist, it lies on the top of styloid process of radius bone and the scaphoid bone.  The artery joins the deep communicating branch of ulnar artery to form deep palmer arch.  Advantages of radial access over femoral access: The bleeding complications are uncommon with radial artery puncture as it can be easily compressed.  Prolonged bed rest is not required.   It can be helpful in cases with difficult femoral access such as morbid obesity and peripheral vascular disease.  The hand has collateral flow from the ulnar artery via palmer arch.  Patient can be mobilised soon after the procedure.  Left radial access is preferred compared to right radial access for cannulation of left internal mammary artery (LIMA) to left anterior descending (LAD) graft post coronary artery bypass surgery...